The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities are just pursuing self-consolation in its attempt to seek secession by relying on the external forces, said Jiang Bin, a spokesman for China's Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday.
Jiang made the remarks when responding to a media inquiry on an unclassified version of the 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) released by the Pentagon on Jan 23, placing defense of the U.S. homeland and the U.S. interests across the Western Hemisphere above all other military priorities.
Some analysts in Taiwan have noticed that the newly released U.S. NDS did not mention the island.
"The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair that brooks no external interference. China will never waver in its resolve to safeguard national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. We've said it before that the DPP authorities are only pursuing self-consolation in its attempt to seek secession by relying on external forces. If they are willing to be a pawn, they are doomed to be abandoned," said Jiang.
Defense ministry spokesman warns Taiwan secessionists of fate of 'abandoned pawn'
The Rafah border crossing linking Gaza with Egypt is set to reopen on both sides for the first time in nearly two years.
The Rafah crossing is the main access point in and out of the strip for Gaza's population, particularly for patients seeking medical care. Israel took control of the crossing in May 2024 following its military operation in the southern city of Rafah and has since halted passenger movement, deepening the humanitarian crisis and further isolating the coastal enclave.
Israel's Prime Minister's Office said on Sunday that Israel has agreed to a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing for pedestrian passage only, subject to a full Israeli inspection mechanism.
According to the office, those leaving Gaza will be free to travel. However, every Palestinian entering Gaza will encounter stricter regulations. First, they will have to pass through a security check from a European Union delegation at the border, followed by an Israeli military checkpoint and then a full screening by Shin Bet, the Israeli intelligence agency.
A Ramallah-based source close to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, who asked not to be named, told Xinhua News Agency that preparations are under way to compile lists of travelers and returnees, adding that discussions are ongoing to finalize technical arrangements for operating the crossing.
The source said priority in the initial weeks would be given to patients and wounded individuals, holders of foreign passports and students, as well as the gradual return of Gaza residents who received medical treatment abroad.
Gaza-based health authorities warned that the continued closure of Rafah to patients and wounded individuals is worsening their conditions to dangerous levels.
The health authorities said about 20,000 patients have completed medical referrals and are awaiting permission to travel, citing shortages of medicines and medical equipment, the suspension of specialized services, and extensive damage to hospital infrastructure.
According to the health authorities, 1,268 patients have died while awaiting permission. Only 3,100 patients have been able to leave Gaza since the crossing was closed on May 7, 2024.
For those leaving Gaza to go into Egypt, priority will be given to patients, many of whom will be treated in hospitals in Al-Arish City, the Egyptian city closest to the border with Gaza.
Rafah border crossing to reopen on both sides for first time in nearly 2 years
